Rahaman Ali, the younger brother of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, died on Friday, August 1, 2025, at age 82 in Louisville, Kentucky. The Muhammad Ali Center announced his death on Saturday. No cause of death has been released.
Born Rudolph Arnett Clay on July 18, 1943, Rahaman later converted to Islam alongside his famous brother. He grew up in Louisville’s west end, where the brothers would wrestle, play cards, and shoot hoops in their childhood home.
Following his brother’s path, Rahaman boxed professionally from 1964 to 1972. He fought as a heavyweight in an orthodox stance, winning 14 fights, losing 3, and drawing 1. Seven of his victories came by knockout.
“You can’t tell Muhammad’s story without mentioning Rahaman,” said DeVone Holt, President of the Muhammad Ali Center. “He was one of the most constant sources of support for Muhammad during his career and their relationship was a true example of what it means to be ‘my brother’s keeper.'”
After hanging up his gloves, Rahaman became his brother’s biggest supporter. He traveled with Muhammad and helped him train. Muhammad’s former business manager Gene Kilroy described him as the best sparring partner his brother ever had.
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Rahaman shared his unique perspective in two books. His first, “That’s Muhammad Ali’s Brother! My Life on the Undercard,” came out in 2014 with boxing writer H. Ron Brashear. His second, “My Brother, Muhammad Ali – The Definitive Biography,” was published in 2019 with writer Fiaz Rafiq.
Muhammad’s daughter Hana Ali wrote on Facebook that her uncle, lovingly known as Rock, was a sweet, gentle soul with a heart as big as the world. She noted he had the same sparkle in his eye as her father.
Laila Ali expressed on Instagram that her father loved his brother deeply and that they are now back in the arms of their beloved parents, resting in eternal peace together.
Rahaman played a key role at the Muhammad Ali Center. He regularly greeted fans, spoke at events, and shared stories about his brother. He became a familiar face to visitors, helping keep Muhammad’s legacy alive after his brother died in 2016 at age 74 from complications of Parkinson’s disease.
The center said funeral arrangements will be announced later. Louisville’s boxing community is already planning memorial gatherings to honor his life.Rahaman’s story links to the upcoming Amazon Prime series “The Greatest,” where actor Kai Parham portrays him, showing the brothers’ bond will continue inspiring new generations.
